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1132 days ago

'That mixture should not happen': Ombudsman issues scathing report on psychiatric ward

Nicole Reporter from Dunedin News

A scathing report has slammed an inpatient unit at Dunedin's Wakari Hospital that housed male and female patients together, including some who posed a serious risk to others.

Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier's report on Ward 10A noted the12-bed medium-secure facility was not fit for purpose, was in critical need for an upgrade, and was creating a “volatile environment”.

He noted the ward housed people of both sexes with intellectual disabilities and/or mental health issues.

That dynamic was compounded by some on the ward with criminal convictions, who posed a serious risk to others.

“That mixture should not happen. It is not accepted as acceptable practice ... you just don't do it," he said.

Boshier said he had never before seen a “mixture of what I would call criminal forensic and civilians who are there simply because they are unfortunately – and sadly mentally – unwell”. “I just don’t think it is fair.”

Staff told Boshier's inspectors that due to the complexity of the ward's patient mix and its layout, it applied restrictive practices to all patients, irrespective of their legal status or risk.

“I consider it unacceptable that non-forensic patients are subjected to restrictive practices simply due to being accommodated with forensic patients,” Boshier wrote in the 52-page report.

The report noted several patients had been in the ward long-term, including one who had spent 5316 days there.

The environment was described by a staff member as a “disgrace”, and Boshier believed staff and patient safety was compromised.

“I had never encountered that degree of directness by staff before ... I’ve not seen a facility operated in this way in all the inspection reports that we’ve done,” Boshier said.

He cited the case as another example of how the Ministry of Health had failed in its responsibility to ensure that investment in facilities met the needs of the community.

Boshier also highlighted issues with seclusion and restraint inside 10A, including a patient who was barricaded in their room and another who had a N95 face mask placed on them while being restrained, to stop them from spitting.

The ombudsman's report noted some positive aspects of the ward, including patients being able to lock their bedroom and bathroom doors.

The Southern District Health Board (DHB) said it understood the “need to address the co-habitation of forensic patients with non-forensic patients in Ward 10a, the restrictive practices placed upon non-forensic patients living in this environment and the gender separation of service users”.

Another report on Ward 6C, a12-bed secure mental health/psychogeriatric ward for older persons, noted that patients' access to fresh air and sunlight was also restricted.

One patient said they had been outside twice in the five weeks they had been there.

Inspectors made unannounced site visits at the sites between March and June last year, under the Crimes of Torture Act 1989.

Health Minister Andrew Little said he was yet to read the report, but was aware of it.

The Government committed funding, back in 2019, to build and improve mental health facilities, he said.

In June, just 6 per cent of the $438.3 million allocated to new mental health facilities had been spent.

Little said the new Dunedin Hospital, which was due to be completed in 2028, should also improve mental healthcare in the region.

More messages from your neighbours
4 days ago

Poll: Would you use a pet cemetery?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Dave Stephens has created a pet cemetery on his land.

The 10-acre site in Albany, Auckland, features graves nestled among beautifully manicured gardens and unique art pieces, offering a serene space where visitors can pay their respects in their own way.

Is a local pet cemetery something you think you would use? Share your thoughts below.

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Would you use a pet cemetery?
  • 31.3% Yes
    31.3% Complete
  • 67.1% No
    67.1% Complete
  • 1.5% Other - I'll share below
    1.5% Complete
1296 votes
19 hours ago

Neighbourly Q&A: Consumer rights with CAB's Andrew Hubbard

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

What can you do if you buy something that breaks soon after you buy it? It's time for another helpful Q&A.

This week we have Andrew Hubbard from Citizens Advice Bureau New Zealand (CABNZ) who will be answering your questions about your consumer rights.

A little bit about Andrew:
Dr Andrew Hubbard is deputy chief executive of Citizens Advice Bureau New Zealand (CAB) and loves working for the CAB so much that he’s been there for more than fifteen years.

Andrew believes in the difference people can make working together in the community and loves being able to support the work of the more than 2000 CAB volunteers across the motu. Andrew’s background is in policy and he’s been actively involved in consumer issues for the fifteen years he’s been at the CAB.

Andrew and the CAB team are ready to answer your questions about your consumer rights. This might be questions about when you can get a refunds, your rights when buying via Facebook or overseas, product delivery issues and what to do if a retailer won't sort a problem out for you. Ask away!

Andrew will be here live on Wednesday at 9.30am, but go ahead, and add your question below now ⇩

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1 day ago

Got a minute?💡Try this riddle and let’s see how clever you really are! 🧐

Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

I am silent, yet I speak;
I can open minds but cannot open myself;
I contain worlds but have no life—
What am I?

Do you think you know the answer? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm.

Want to stop seeing these in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.

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